- Best For: All hair types
- How to Use: Turn on the device, choose your setting, and then slowly move the tool around the scalp.
What is a scalp massager? What are the benefits of using one?
A scalp massager is a tool with thicker and longer bristles (or nodules) than the average hair brush, which offers more of a kneading sensation. That offers two worthwhile benefits: For one, it boosts circulation to the scalp, which can “nurture and deliver the necessary nutrients to the hair follicle for optimal hair growth,” says trichologist Bridgette Hill.
Moreover, a scalp massager “aids with exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and product build up from the base of the hair follicle,” Hill says. Theoretically, this allows any scalp-minded formulas—be they oils, scrubs, or pre-shampoo treatment—you apply during or after the scalp massage to better penetrate the skin.
And finally, scalp massagers offer an advantage in their ability to reduce stress, since the very act of massaging the scalp can feel calming. “Stress, of course, can cause hair loss through shedding,” says Dr. Christine Shaver, a board-certified dermatologist at Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration in New York City. In addressing that via a scalp massage, you might be able to stymie its effects.
Who should use a scalp massager?
Everyone can benefit from the use of a scalp massager, although the type of tool and exact regimen largely depends on your scalp condition and hair type, according to Hill, who recommends using one at least weekly. That said, if you have a medical scalp condition, it’s best to skip scalp massaging; Hill recommends checking with a trichologist or a board-certified doctor first.
Scalp massage can be particularly helpful for those who have thick or coarse hair, as they may “find it difficult to adequately clean and exfoliate dead skin cells on the scalp,” says Shaver. That said, Types 3 and 4 curls and coils can make it hard to navigate the scalp massager around the head. In this case, Hill recommends sectioning hair into quadrants, then plaiting or twisting the ends together. Apply a pre-shampoo scalp treatment to each quadrant, ensuring your hair has a generous coating and lightly massaging it in with your fingertips to distribute it. Then, beginning at the nape of the neck, use the scalp massager to make semi-circle motions up and around the head. Repeat two or three times before shampooing, then rinse.
What to Look for in a Scalp Massager
Ideally, seek out a scalp massager that uses durable materials, such as silicone, and features soft, flexible bristles “so that they do not irritate or injure your scalp,” says Shaver. An ergonomic handle can also reduce strain and make the process more comfortable.